In a surprising move that has caught the attention of stealth-action fans, Ubisoft has quietly implemented Steam achievements for Splinter Cell: Blacklist, a game released over a decade ago in 2013. This update comes as a small but welcome reminder that the publisher hasn't completely forgotten about Sam Fisher's adventures, even as fans continue to wait for more substantial news about the previously announced Splinter Cell remake.
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| Sam Fisher engages in a tense combat scenario, reflecting the high-stakes environment of Splinter Cell: Blacklist |
The Achievement Update
Ubisoft announced the addition of Steam achievements to Splinter Cell: Blacklist with little fanfare, simply stating: Agents, we are pleased to announce that Steam Achievements are now available for Splinter Cell: Blacklist! The implementation is particularly player-friendly, as achievements will be retroactively earned for accomplishments already completed in the game. Players need only launch the game once to sync their previously unlocked Ubisoft Connect achievements with Steam.
Player-Friendly Modifications
In a considerate move, Ubisoft has removed 19 achievements that were tied to online services, which were shut down in 2022. This decision ensures that players can still achieve 100% completion on Steam without being blocked by now-impossible online requirements. The adjustment demonstrates a level of attention to detail that players often appreciate, especially for legacy titles with discontinued online components.
The State of Splinter Cell
This minor update serves as a reminder of the current dormant state of the once-prominent stealth franchise. The last mainline Splinter Cell game was Blacklist in 2013, making it 12 years since Sam Fisher starred in his own dedicated title. While Ubisoft announced a remake of the original Splinter Cell in 2022, substantial updates about its development have been scarce.
The Splinter Cell Remake
According to previous statements from Ubisoft, the Splinter Cell remake is being built from the ground up using the company's advanced Snowdrop engine. Creative Director Chris Auty has indicated that while they plan to make some improvements to elements that might not have aged particularly well, the core of the story and experience will remain faithful to the original game. However, no significant updates about the project have been shared since 2022.
Ubisoft's Current Business Landscape
This small update to a legacy title comes during a challenging period for Ubisoft. The company recently created a subsidiary based on its Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six brands, with a €1.16 billion (approximately $1.25 billion) investment from Tencent. This restructuring follows a difficult stretch for the publisher, which has experienced high-profile flops, layoffs, studio closures, and game cancellations in recent years.
A Pattern of Legacy Support
The achievement update for Blacklist is part of Ubisoft's ongoing efforts to add Steam achievements to its back catalog of games. Similar updates have been implemented for other titles like Assassin's Creed 3 and Watch Dogs 2. While these updates are minimal in scope, they represent a form of continued support for the publisher's legacy titles and a gesture of goodwill toward players who value achievement tracking on the Steam platform.
Community Response
The gaming community has responded to this update with a mixture of appreciation for the achievement support and renewed calls for Ubisoft to provide more substantial attention to the Splinter Cell franchise. Many fans continue to hope for not just the promised remake but also proper preservation efforts for the entire series, including titles like Pandora Tomorrow that have never been properly released on modern PC platforms.